As large companies increase layoffs, now is the time for workers to review their financial situation in the event of a job loss or change. CFP Shane Cummings recommends focusing on five elements to prepare for potential employment upheaval. Full Story: Kiplinger (4/10)
What it means to be a "listener" as a boss Being a better listener to your employees doesn't mean you always have to drop everything to talk with them, says business coach Guy Harris. "The main message you want to communicate to the other person is that you are willing to listen to them when you have the time to focus on what they are saying," Harris says. Full Story: Leadership & Learning with Kevin Eikenberry (4/6)
How to address 7 common workplace fears Fears of decision-making, taking responsibility, public speaking, layoffs, making mistakes, being disliked by a boss or coworkers and work overload were identified as the seven most common workplace anxieties in a study by LiveCareer. Addressing these anxieties early and establishing coping mechanisms such as turning fear into motivation are key to making sure that workplace anxiety doesn't get in your way, writes career coach Caroline Castrillon. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (4/9)
Direct admission is when a school admits a student who has not even applied to attend the school. Some schools use it as a tool to recruit top-tier students, while other schools use it to make sure more students know college might be a part of their future. Plus, removing the costs and paperwork associated with a typical application puts college within reach for more students. Full Story: The Conversation (4/10)
Your Next Challenge
The consequences of procrastination People procrastinate often to avoid negative feelings from a task, such as boredom, frustration and fear, says Victoria Smith, a licensed clinical social worker. Smith and other experts discuss the consequences of procrastination, including a shift in identity that involves never being able to get things done on time, and it can become self-fulfilling. Full Story: Livestrong (4/8)
There are many hurdles standing in the way of more widespread electric vehicle adoption, but this probably wasn't on too many people's radar screens. EVs tend to be much heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, which could cause a problem with certain infrastructure, such as multi-story parking garages, according to Chris Whapples, a UK-based structural engineer. The shift to EVs may require parking garage operators to consider weight limits, Whapples says. Full Story: The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model) (4/8)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Members of all-female pro baseball team Colorado Silver Bullets attended the 1997 National Baseball Hall of Fame induction (as a player) of their manager. Who was it? (Submitted by Kanoe Namahoe from SmartBrief) Check your answer here.
